SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Sacrament of Holy Order
Image of celebration of 
Sacrament of Holy Order 

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are explanation of sacrament of Holy Orders in the Roman Catholic Church by considering meaning, Scriptural Foundation, Historical Development, Three Degrees of Holy Orders and  Rite of Ordination. Other explanation are Theology, Symbols and Vestments, and Importance of Holy Order in the Life of the Church.

1. Definition Sacrament of Holy Order 

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. It confers a sacred power (sacra potestas) for the service of the People of God (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993/2019, §§1536–1538).

2. Scriptural Foundation of Sacrament of Holy Order 

Old Testament roots: The priesthood of Aaron and the Levites foreshadowed the priesthood of Christ (Exod. 28–29; Lev. 8).

Christ the High Priest: Jesus Christ is the eternal High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Heb. 4:14–16).

Institution by Christ: At the Last Supper, Christ instituted the Eucharist and entrusted the apostles with the command, “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19, New American Bible [NABRE], 2011).

Apostolic succession: The apostles appointed successors through prayer and the laying on of hands (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Tim. 4:14).

3. Historical Development of Holy Order 

Early Church (1st–3rd centuries), Early sources (e.g., St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans) testify to a threefold structure of ministry; bishops, presbyters, and deacons (Kelly, 1989).

Post-Nicene Era (4th century): The legalization of Christianity formalized episcopal authority and expanded clerical structures (Chadwick, 1993).

Middle Ages: St. Thomas Aquinas clarified Holy Orders as conferring an indelible character enabling the ordained to act in persona Christi (Summa Theologica, III, q. 63).

Council of Trent (1545–1563): Declared Holy Orders a true sacrament instituted by Christ, in response to Reformation claims (Tanner, 1990).

Second Vatican Council (1962–1965): Renewed emphasis on episcopal collegiality, priestly ministry, and the permanent diaconate (Lumen Gentium, 1964, §§20–29).

4. The Three Degrees of Holy Orders

Learn about the three degrees of Holy Orders; bishop, priest, and deacon; and their roles and significance in Roman Catholic Church teaching and ministry.

4.1. Bishop (Episcopate)

Successors of the apostles with fullness of Holy Orders. Their role is to teach, sanctify, and govern the Church. Only bishops can ordain. Symbols include the miter, crozier, and episcopal ring (CCC, 1993/2019, §1557).

4.2. Priest (Presbyterate)

Co-workers of the bishop, primarily responsible for celebrating the Eucharist, administering sacraments, preaching, and pastoral care. They act in persona Christi Capitis (“in the person of Christ the Head”) (CCC, 1993/2019, §1566).

4.3. Deacon (Diaconate)

Ordained for service. Deacons baptize, witness marriages, proclaim the Gospel, and assist at Mass but cannot consecrate the Eucharist or absolve sins. The permanent diaconate was restored after Vatican II (LG, 1964, §29).

5. The Rite of Ordination

Discover the Rite of Ordination in the Roman Catholic Church, its sacred rituals, prayers, and meaning in conferring the sacrament of Holy Orders.

The Rite of Ordination in the Roman Catholic Church

5.1. Description of the Rite of Ordination

The Rite of Ordination is the sacred liturgical ceremony by which the Roman Catholic Church confers the Sacrament of Holy Orders on a man called to serve as a deacon, priest, or bishop. Through this rite, the ordinand receives a permanent spiritual character and is entrusted with a ministry for the service of God’s people (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, nos. 1536–1538).


Ordination is rooted in apostolic succession, whereby the authority given by Christ to the Apostles is handed down through the bishops by the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration (Second Vatican Council, 1965). The rite normally takes place within the celebration of the Holy Mass, emphasizing that ordained ministry flows from and serves the Eucharist (CCC, no. 1566).


The essential elements of the Rite of Ordination includes the calling and presentation of the candidate, homily and examination. Other rites are promises of the ordinand, Litany of the Saints, laying on of hands, Prayer of Ordination and vesting and handing over of the symbols of ministry

5.2. Key Elements of the Rite

Explore the key elements of the Rite of Ordination, including the laying on of hands, prayers, and sacred symbols in Roman Catholic Church tradition.

5.2.1. Calling and Presentation

The candidate is formally called by name, signifying that the vocation comes from God and is recognized by the Church (CCC, no. 1571).

5.2.2. Examination and Promises

The bishop questions the ordinand regarding his faith, willingness to serve faithfully, and commitment to Church teaching and discipline. Promises of obedience express unity with the bishop and the wider Church (Code of Canon Law, 1983, can. 273).

5.2.3. Litany of the Saints

During this prayer, the ordinand lies prostrate, symbolizing humility, surrender, and complete reliance on God’s grace and the intercession of the saints (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2003).

5.2.4. Laying on of Hands

The silent laying on of hands by the bishop is the central sacramental sign, dating back to apostolic times, signifying the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:6; 1 Tim 4:14).

5.2.5. Prayer of Ordination

This consecratory prayer completes the sacrament, invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the specific ministry of the ordinand (CCC, no. 1573).

5.2.6. Vesting and Symbols

The newly ordained receives vestments and sacred objects proper to his order, symbolizing his new responsibilities and identity.

5.3. Examples of the Rite According to the Three Degrees

Discover examples of the Rite of Ordination according to the three degrees;deacon, priest, and bishop; and their roles in Roman Catholic Church ministry.

5.3.1. Ordination of a Deacon

Deacons are ordained for service to the Word, the altar, and charity. They receive the Book of the Gospels, symbolizing their mission to proclaim the Gospel (CCC, nos. 1569–1570).

5.3.2. Ordination of a Priest

Priests are ordained to preach, celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins, and shepherd the faithful. They are presented with the chalice and paten, signifying their role in the Eucharistic sacrifice (CCC, no. 1564).

5.3.3. Ordination of a Bishop

Bishops receive the fullness of Holy Orders. They are given the ring, miter, and crozier, symbols of fidelity, teaching authority, and pastoral governance (CCC, nos. 1557–1558).

5.4. Lessons from the Rite of Ordination

Learn the spiritual lessons from the Rite of Ordination, highlighting service, obedience, grace, and apostolic mission in Roman Catholic teaching.

5.4.1. Service Over Status

The rite emphasizes that ordained ministry is a call to humble service, following Christ who came to serve rather than to be served (Mk 10:45).

5.4.2. Obedience and Unity

The promises made highlight the importance of obedience, communion, and unity within the hierarchical structure of the Church (Second Vatican Council, 1965).

5.4.3. Dependence on Grace

The prayers of the Church and invocation of the saints teach that ministry depends entirely on God’s grace, not personal merit (CCC, no. 1585).

5.4.4. Apostolic Continuity

The laying on of hands demonstrates the Church’s unbroken continuity with the Apostles and Christ Himself (CCC, no. 1576).

5.4.5. Lifelong Commitment

Holy Orders imprints an indelible spiritual character, reminding the ordained of their lifelong vocation and responsibility (CCC, no. 1582).

6. Effects of sacrament of Holy Order 

Imparts sacramental grace, an indelible character, and special graces for ministry (CCC, 1993/2019, §1572).

7. Theology of Sacrament of Holy Order 

Holy Orders imprints an indelible character and configures the ordained to Christ the High Priest. The ordained act as servants of Christ and His Church (Aquinas, Summa Theologica, III, q. 63). In the Latin Church, celibacy is generally required for priests and bishops, signifying total dedication (Cozzens, 2000).

8. Symbols and Vestments of Holy Order 

Explore the symbols and vestments of Holy Orders in the Roman Catholic Church, including their meaning, significance, and role in the Rite of Ordination.

8.1. Bishop

The vestments for bishop are crozier (shepherd), miter (authority), ring (fidelity).

8.2. Priest

The vestments for priest are stole (priestly authority), chasuble (charity, sacrifice).

8.3. Deacon

The vestments for deacon are stole worn diagonally, dalmatic (service).

9. Importance in the Life of the Church

Without Holy Orders, there would be no Eucharist, no sacramental absolution, and no apostolic governance. The sacrament is thus essential for the continuation of Christ’s mission in the Church (CCC, 1993/2019, §1593).

References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (2019). 2nd ed. (Original work published 1993). United States Catholic Conference.

Chadwick, H. (1993). The early church. Penguin Books.

Code of Canon Law. (1983). Codex Iuris Canonici. Vatican Press.

Cozzens, D. (2000). The changing face of the priesthood: A reflection on the priest’s crisis of soul. Liturgical Press.

Ignatius of Antioch. (ca. 110). Letter to the Smyrnaeans. In J. B. Lightfoot & J. R. Harmer (Trans.), The Apostolic Fathers.

Kelly, J. N. D. (1989). Early Christian doctrines (Rev. ed.). HarperOne.

Second Vatican Council. (1965). Presbyterorum Ordinis (Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests). Vatican Press.

Tanner, N. P. (Ed.). (1990). Decrees of the ecumenical councils (Vol. 2). Sheed & Ward / Georgetown University Press.

The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE). (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2003). Ordination of a Bishop, of Priests, and of Deacons. USCCB Publishing.

Vatican Council II. (1964). Lumen Gentium [Dogmatic Constitution on the Church]. In A. Flannery (Ed.), Vatican Council II: The conciliar and post conciliar documents (pp. 350–426). Costello.

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